Corona fuming mad over dollar accounts, lawyer says

ABS-CBN News

MANILA, Philippines - Chief Justice Renato Corona decided to take the witness stand in his impeachment trial because he got mad at reports over his alleged dollar accounts, one of his lawyers said Thursday.

"Even during the break we were already preparing," he said. "We felt that they had already exhausted... sources of income, BGEI. There was no other option but for Mrs. Corona or the chief justice to testify."

Cuevas faces Bautista anew

Lead defense counsel Serafin Cuevas will present Corona while lead private prosecutor Mario Bautista will cross examine the chief justice.

"I think it will be a respectful free-for-all. That's one thing," Tañada said.

"Second, I think the personality of Atty. Mario Bautista would show that he is not the person who raises his voice. He's very respectful. So from the side of the prosecution, we can at least commit here that the person who will conduct it will be very respectful of the chief justice," he added.

Bautista served as private prosecutor in presenting Clarissa Ocampo as the key witness in the impeachment trial of then President Joseph Estrada

Cuevas served as Estrada's lawyer in the same trial.

House prosecutors said Corona's decision to take the witness stand can be an opportunity for him and his office to regain the respect and trust of the Filipino people. - report from ANC